Columbus Blue Jackets: Three Trade Proposals for Pick #3

The fans of the Calgary Flames have been plugging every available angle, trying to will a trade for the third overall pick into existence. Even Elliotte Friedman had his fill of the “trade proposals” thrown at him by Flames fans. Still, let’s see what it might take from a CBJ perspective.

Calgary Flames – the farm. I wanted to say next year’s first round pick from Calgary, unprotected – but they’ve already traded their next year’s first round pick conditionally. Even with all of this packaged together, I don’t think the Jackets even seriously consider it.

Why it works: Well, I guess the Jackets get a guy who can fill in for a few seasons as the top line center. They add some nice prospects to their already impressive pool, which makes them a deeper team. And, Calgary fans get the pick they are so enamored with having.

Why it doesn’t: Because the Jackets still don’t land a long-term #1 center option. Lindholm is a terrific player, but he’s also 28 years old; how many elite years does he have left in the tank? And, he will be looking to cash in with a massive contract that will pay him into his mid-30s. The player they can draft third overall, could be more valuable in 2-3 years, which is when they hope to start contending. And, do you really see the Flames selling off all of these meaningful assets for one piece?

My guess is, the Flames would rather build around a fine young goaltender like Dustin Wolf, and start accumulating more prospects – rather than pushing all of their chips to table to land one piece. And, the Jackets aren’t looking for a center for the next three or four years, they’re looking for someone for the next decade. Neither side wins this deal. Declined.